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2021 Rosso di Montalcino

J.G. Benda
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We couldn’t be happier to present the very first release from one of Montalcino's most exciting new projects. John Benda grew up in Rome but spent most of his life in London, where he made a career in finance. He developed a deep passion for fine wines, and boldly changed course and rededicated himself to winemaking. Drawn to the wild landscapes of Tuscany, he moved to Montalcino, where he spent years learning the ins and outs of Brunello production. An opportunity then presented itself, and John pounced: at auction he purchased a large plot of untouched forest containing two one-hectare vineyards. It is an exceptional terroir, isolated deep in the woods at the highest point of the Brunello zone on soils rich in sand, limestone, and rocky galestro.
     John and his partner, Zoë, have toiled tirelessly to restructure the vineyards, introducing biodynamic methodologies that have turned these small parcels into vibrant oases. They spend every possible moment working their vines by hand in an effort to produce top-quality fruit, then use low-intervention, traditional methods in the cellar, including natural fermentations, aging in large botti, and bottling unfiltered with minimal sulfur.
     J. G. Benda’s first release is an energetic Sangiovese of incredible purity and vibrancy from these remote vineyards high in the woods. The deep perfume of flowers, turned earth, and vivid berry fruit, along with the elegant, satiny tannin, make this a truly special Rosso radiating class and finesse. You won’t want to miss this inaugural red from a young Montalcino prodigy.

Anthony Lynch

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Technical Information
Wine Type: red
Vintage: 2021
Bottle Size: 750mL
Blend: Sangiovese
Appellation: Rosso di Montalcino
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Producer: J.G. Benda
Winemaker: John Benda
Vineyard: Planted in 1998, 2006; 1.85 ha
Soil: Limestone, sandstone, galestro
Aging: Aged for 20 months in 25 hL French and Slavonian oak botti
Farming: Biodynamic (practicing)
Alcohol: 14%

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About The Region

Tuscany

Map of Tuscany wine region

Perhaps no region is tied to Italy’s reputation as a producer of fine wine as much as Tuscany. Since Etruscan times, viticulture has played a prominent role in this idyllic land of rolling hills, and the Tuscan winemaking tradition remains as strong as ever today. With a favorable Mediterranean climate, an undulating topography offering countless altitudes and expositions, and a wealth of poor, well-draining soils, conditions are ideal for crafting high-quality wines. Add to that the rich gastronomical tradition—Tuscany is home to some of the country’s finest game, pastas, salumi, and cheeses—and you have the blueprint for a world-class wine region.

This is Sangiovese territory; in fact, it is arguably the only place in the world where Sangiovese reaches a truly regal expression. In spite of a rocky history with fluctuations in quality, traditionally produced Chianti has reclaimed its status as one of the country’s most reliable, food-friendly reds, while the rapid rise of Brunello di Montalcino shows the grape’s potential for grandiose, opulent reds allying power and finesse. Traditionally-minded growers have stuck to using only indigenous grape varieties and employing techniques like aging in massive wooden casks known as botti, creating wines of terroir that shine at the Tuscan table.

Tuscan wines have had a place in our portfolio since Kermit’s first visit in 1977. While the names of the estates have changed, the spirit of those first unfiltered Chiantis he imported live on through our current selections.

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Inspiring Thirst

A good doctor prescribed the wine of Nuits-Saint-Georges to the Sun King, Louis XIV, when he suffered an unknown maladie. When the king’s health was restored the tasty remedy enjoyed a vogue at court. Lord, send me a doctor like that!

Inspiring Thirst, page 117

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